Mr Amer Hashmi, the Chairman of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who is also the President of the STZA Board of Governors.
In February 2021, Mr Amer Hashmi was appointed as the first Chairman of STZA, a newly established Authority under the Cabinet Division. The STZA is mandated to develop, oversee, and enable the technology and knowledge ecosystem across Pakistan through the establishment of Special Technology Zones, which are strategically placed under the “Triple Helix Model” of innovation.
The STZs intend to foster synergies between the Government, national & international industry, academia as well as Research & Development centres to create new opportunities, enable ease of doing business and provide robust regulatory support to the technology sector in Pakistan.
Read more: STZA teams up with China’s SEDA to boost Pakistan’s tech sector
In October 2021, the STZA Act was unanimously enacted by both esteemed houses of the Parliament. In a short period since, the STZA has notified four Special Technology Zones, located in Lahore, Islamabad and Haripur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over 20 domestic & international enterprises have been granted licenses to operate in the Special Technology Zones. The prospective enterprise potential pipeline stands at over 300 out of which 50 applications for licensing are currently under the review and evaluation process.
What Special Technology Zones (STZs) Mean For #Pakistan’s Tech Industry.
@jazibzaman explores.
via @forbes https://t.co/YmYNv6Ympc
— Special Technology Zones Authority – Pakistan (@STZAOfficial) May 31, 2022
During his tenure, the Chairman STZA has executed focused International & Domestic initiatives to promote Pakistan as an emerging destination for the technology sector in the region.
“I am optimistic that under the right leadership at the helm, STZA and its high-caliber and talented team of professionals will capitalize in multiples on the enviable foundation being laid down to create a progressive technology ecosystem the country. I feel blessed that the Almighty Allah allowed me to create the required ecosystem for our talented youth to leverage their true potential, and the power of technology to reap unending benefits for the proud people of Pakistan,” Mr Amer Hashmi stated in his parting remarks.